Dubai's police chief has told a daily that drug lords were behind a fire that left 14 prisoners dead in a Dubai jail, and an unsuccessful car bomb attack targeting him and his family.

Major General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim revealed in an interview with the Sharjah-based Gulf Today, published Monday, that there was a pitiless war between drug gangs - whom he accused of "social terrorism" - and the authorities.

"My car was the target of a desperate blast attempt but providence saved my children who were in the car," he told the English-language daily.

And he also reported a mass suicide attempt by detainees held on drug charges before the Oct. 29 jail blaze and breakout bid.

"Those who were behind the police station fire attempted mass suicide days before the fire," he said. "That only shows their desperation. They were, however, rescued.

"The whole incident was aimed at tarnishing the image of the judicial system and police," he said.

Tamim said the criminals set fire to themselves to avoid being interrogated and revealing the secrets of the drug trade.

Seven of nine major drug dealers known to operate in Dubai have been arrested, Tamim said, calling for public support.

"When we announce the arrest of major drug dealers we should expect attempts by them to take revenge," he added.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), of which Dubai is a member, has cracked down on drugs, and several foreigners been sentenced to death under a 1995 law that lays down capital punishment for drug trafficking. But no executions have been announced for narcotics crimes, according to AFP.

The UAE, among Gulf states, is a target of drug trafficking due to the region’s geographical location, close to drug cultivating areas in Asia, and the high standard of living – Albawaba.com